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Tottenham have been given some encouragement over the potential signing of a star player after unceremoniously missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White.

Related Tottenham set to make offer for "sensational" £45m star after holding talks

Spurs have been in contact over a deal for a midfielder, with an opening bid now in the works.

Posts 2 ByDominic Lund Jul 28, 2025

Gibbs-White was due at Hotspur Way for a medical nearly three weeks ago (BBC), and chairman Daniel Levy was ready to activate the England international’s £60 million release clause (ESPN), only for Evangelos Marinakis to block the transfer, threaten legal action and somehow convince the player to stay.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Marinakis proudly watched over Gibbs-White from an uncomfortably short distance in his interview confirming the surprise contract extension on Saturday evening, with the player both praising Forest’s owner and exclaiming his delight at remaining.

After what was an unprecedented twist, the 25-year-old will no longer become a Tottenham player despite all signs previously pointing in that direction. Luckily for Spurs supporters, the end of this bizarre saga by no means spells the conclusion of Levy’s search for new attacking options.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are actively working on an alternative to Gibbs-White, and there are even other suggestions that Frank’s side have now emerged as shock contenders for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

The forward, who signed for Real seven years ago from Santos for around £40 million, has gone on to become a notable first-team star for Los Blancos, with midfielder Jude Bellingham calling him their most underrated star.

However, uncertainty surrounds Rodrygo’s future, with Real apparently telling the Brazil international’s agents in a recent meeting that they’re open to letting him go this summer.

“His agents are talking to Real Madrid,” said Romano on his YouTube channel last week.

“They already had a meeting last week [with Madrid] to just present their own position. In that meeting, from what I’ve heard, Real Madrid confirmed that they are open to letting Rodrygo go.

“Now it’s Rodrygo, together with his agents, who has to decide what he wants to do – stay and fight for a spot or leave and explore all the options.”

Now, according to journalist Graeme Bailey and TBR Football, his team are also speaking with Tottenham.

Rodrygo hints he's prepared to join Tottenham as Spurs speak with agents

It is believed that Spurs have opened discussions with intermediaries over signing Rodrygo, and the versatile attacker has “indicated that he would be open” to making a move to N17 before deadline day on September 1.

Levy is after a statement signing in the event Son Heung-min formalises a move to Los Angeles, and that is growing distinctly possible amid reports that the South Korean is close to agreeing personal terms.

The Lilywhites have also made it ‘known’ that they’re ready to make Rodrygo their highest-paid player, with a lot of their discussions encouraged by the 24-year-old’s willingness to join Frank’s side.

In more good news, Levy has apparently set aside funds in Spurs’ transfer budget to allow for another ‘big-name addition’. That being said, Tottenham would still need to break their transfer record for Rodrygo, given Alonso’s side value him north of £70 million.

The match officials involved in the tied first ODI of the recent Sri Lanka-India series made the mistake of not taking the game to a Super Over as per the ICC’s playing conditions.ESPNcricinfo has learned that the on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Raveendra Wimalasiri, along with the match referee Ranjan Madugalle, TV umpire Paul Reiffel and fourth umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, internally acknowledged having misinterpreted the ODI playing conditions, which state in case of a tie teams will contest a Super Over to procure a result. While in this case there was some confusion over whether the Memorandum of Understanding between SLC and the BCCI for this tour allowed for a Super Over to be played, it has since become clear that all ODIs that end in ties will feature a Super Over, time and conditions permitting.Related

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While the umpires brushed off the bails to signal the end of the match after the tie, neither team enquired about the absence of the Super Over, with the players shaking hands immediately. Questions, though, quickly started to pile up n social media.The latest edition of the ODI playing conditions, released by the ICC in December 2023, says this: “If the teams’ scores are equal after both innings have been completed, then a Super Over shall be played. If the Super Over is a tie, then unless exceptional circumstances arise subsequent Super Overs shall be played until there is a winner. Should it not be possible to play or to complete the Super Overs needed to determine a winner, the match shall be tied.”It is understood that Madugalle, Wilson and Wimalasiri did not immediately discuss any specific reason behind not having the Super Over. Following later discussions, though, the match officials decided they would activate the Super Over in case there was another tie in the remaining two ODIs of the three-match series, which was eventually won by Sri Lanka 2-0.In the match in question, India needed five runs from the final three overs, with two wickets in hand, to chase down the target of 231. Shivam Dube managed a four, before India lost consecutive wickets in the 48th over, delivered by the hosts’ newly appointed captain Charith Asalanka, resulting in the tie.

With Habib Diarra and Reinildo already on their way, Sunderland have now reportedly stepped up their pursuit of an 11-goal striker by submitting an opening offer.

Who Sunderland could sign after Diarra and Reinildo

Both Diarra and Reinildo stand out as impressive signings for a promoted side and the former should particularly make his mark in Wearside next season. But the Black Cats still have work to do. Keeping hold of their Premier League place will be an incredibly tough task – just ask the last six sides that attempted to do so – and further investment will be key.

Even after splashing out a club-record fee for Diarra, the Black Cats have reportedly set their sights on signing the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure, although that would be at a bargain price thanks to his current status as a free agent.

The Frenchman left Everton at the end of last season and could now get the chance to stay put in the Premier League courtesy of Sunderland. It’s a deal that would work for both parties too. Doucoure’s experience would be invaluable next to younger talents like Diarra and the player, himself, is still more than good enough for England’s top-flight.

He’s not the only name on Sunderland’s wishlist, though. Those at the Stadium of Light have also reportedly set their sights on Bournemouth’s Hamed Traore. Like Diarra, the attacker set Ligue 1 alight last season and could now earn a permanent move away from the Cherries, be it thanks to Sunderland or another club this summer.

Ligue 1 seems to be where it’s at for Regis Le Bris’ side too, amid further reports that they’ve now submitted an opening offer to sign an impressive striker from France’s top tier.

Sunderland submit opening offer to sign Abline

As reported by Foot Mercato, Sunderland have now submitted an opening offer worth €20m (£17m) to sign Matthis Abline from FC Nantes this summer. The Black Cats already made contact with the French side about the forward earlier this summer and have now made their first move in pursuit of his signature.

Better signing than Diarra: Sunderland now targeting "fantastic" £18m star

Sunderland’s rapid summer business is showing no signs of slowing down as a new target now appears on their shopping list.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 1, 2025

Whether their £17m offer is enough to complete is a question that Sunderland may have an answer to soon enough. Nantes have already told Marseille that they’ll only sell their star striker for €50m (£43m) in the coming months, but whether clubs outside of France will have to pay such a premium fee remains to be seen.

Described as an “instinctive finisher” who’s “quick” and “direct” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Abline scored 11 goals in all competitions at Nantes last season and could now have the chance to repeat that record in the Premier League when August arrives.

Despite finishing as low as 15th in the Premier League last season and missing out on every European competition, Manchester United’s exciting summer transfer window could be set to continue amid reports that one target has made a shock U-turn.

Mbeumo set to undergo Man Utd medical

After submitting an offer in excess of £60m, Manchester United have taken a vital step closer to signing Mbeumo, who is now reportedly scheduled to undergo a medical at the club as early as next week. The Brentford forward, like Cunha, is a transformative signing for Ruben Amorim’s frontline which was often found wanting last season.

Ahead of the biggest move of his career yet, Mbeumo has already received the backing of Manchester United legend Gary Neville, who spoke about the impact that both he and Cunha could make at Old Trafford.

He told Sky Sports: “[Man United] need players who are going to come in and hit the ground running. United has become a very difficult place for new signings to operate in the last ten years.

“Cunha and Mbeumo have obviously got Premier League experience. They’ve got plenty of games under their belt. [English football] is not new to them and actually they are the right type.

INEOS exploring blockbuster £85m deal to sign Mbappe-level star for Man Utd

He’d be a bigger signing than Mbeumo.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 27, 2025

“When I watch Manchester United wide players, they have to be able to get from box-to-box quickly. They have to be able to run, to travel with and without the ball. Mbeumo and, to be fair Cunha, can do that.”

Whilst the new attacking duo is no doubt impressive, INEOS may not be done there with incomings amid reports that one of their top targets has made a shock transfer U-turn.

Gyokeres now wants Man Utd move instead of Arsenal

In what could prove to be an almighty mistake, Arsenal’s increasing interest for Benjamin Sesko has re-opened the door for INEOS to make their best move yet at Old Trafford.

The Gunners have been chasing both strikers for weeks, laying groundwork and weighing their options, but according to The Mirror, INEOS and Manchester United are in contact to sign Viktor Gyokeres and the Swede now believes that a move to the Red Devils is his best option this summer.

The Swede’s departure from Sporting has become somewhat inevitable after his public spat with the Portuguese club and United should take full advantage of the forward’s desire to reunite with former boss Amorim.

The disagreement came to the fore when Sporting president Frederico Varandas accused Gyokeres’ agent of falsely claiming that there had been a gentleman’s agreement to sell the star striker for around £59m this summer. Instead, the Portuguese club have reportedly priced the Swede at as much as £86m – a price that his camp believe is too high to ensure a move in the coming months.

In today’s market though, Sporting may argue that a player who scored 54 goals in 52 games last season is worth every penny of that £86m fee. Whether Manchester United share that sentiment and sign a player who Sporting boss Rui Borges dubbed “phenomenal” remains to be seen, however.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy reportedly has one tactician at the top of his list of potential targets to replace Ange Postecoglou, and the man in question has now confirmed where he’ll be next season in a statement.

Tottenham now '50/50' over sacking Ange Postecoglou after Europa League win

Spurs ended the campaign with an historic Europa League triumph in Bilbao, at the expense of Man United, which ended their 17-year wait for major silverware and secured their first European trophy since 1984.

England star keen to hold Tottenham talks as Europa League gives deal hope

Spurs have been given “fresh” belief his signing can be done.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 23, 2025

Their 1-0 victory over Ruben Amorim’s side at the Estadio de San Mamés also presented Levy with a major conundrum, which he must now resolve in quick fashion after the conclusion of this Premier League campaign.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Postecoglou paraded the Europa League trophy around Spurs’ stadium after their 4-1 defeat at home to Brighton on Sunday, which confirmed their 17th-placed finish in the table after a dismal 22 league defeats in total.

While the Lilywhites lifted their first piece of silverware in nearly two decades and qualified for next season’s Champions League, their league form has been simply unacceptable, so you can see why Levy and the Spurs board are reportedly ’50/50′ over sacking Postecoglou right now (Football Insider).

“My gut feeling is I feel right now that I’ve done something that no one believed I could,” said Postecoglou when asked about his future after their loss to Brighton.

“And I shouldn’t be sitting here talking about it (my future). That’s my feeling, but it is what it is. I just want to go on a break and enjoy my family and reflect on being part of something unbelievably special, unbelievably special. I’ve been fortunate to be in this position a number of times, but seeing those scenes Friday, and people have reached out and talked to me about how it has affected them, what has happened over the last couple of days, it’s a beautiful thing and I just want to enjoy that.”

Tottenham manager target Marco Silva confirms where he'll be next season

In terms of possible replacements for Postecoglou, Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio recently reported that Fulham boss Marco Silva was the “first name” in their target list.

However, they’re now set to run into a brick wall regarding his appointment, with Silva now confirming that he’s staying at Fulham.

The 47-year-old has done an impressive job at Craven Cottage on a shoe-string budget, and briefly had them contending for Champions League qualification before they ultimately fell out of the race.

This would’ve undoubtedly turned Levy’s head, but after Silva confirmed his intentions, he must now look to other Postecoglou alternatives.

Tottenham’s list of managerial candidates is also said to include Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund), Edin Terzić (free agent), Xavi (free agent) and Francesco Farioli (free agent).

After a career full of incredible teammates – from Paul Gascoigne all the way to Terry Butcher – Ally McCoist has now revealed the two Rangers players that he feels went under the radar during his time at the club.

Ally McCoist's legendary Rangers career

A clinical striker who became a champion in Scotland as many as 10 times with Rangers, McCoist is an undeniable Ibrox legend who saw it all during his time at the club as both a manager and a player.

Of course, it must be said that his time as a player compared to his time in the dugout both came with incredibly different experiences and challenges. As a player, the Scot was part of a winning Rangers side who often took their place at the top of Scottish football – a contrast to Celtic’s current dominance under Brendan Rodgers.

As a manager, however, McCoist was left to pick up the pieces at a crumbling club as they went into administration and down from the Scottish Premiership. Stepping up nonetheless, the former Rangers man played a vital part in helping to drag the Gers back up the divisions in Scotland.

"Madness" – McCoist stunned at Rangers claims to sign £15k-p/w Celtic star

There have been some suggestions of a move.

By
Charlie Smith

Apr 10, 2025

Whilst many will be naturally quick to praise the likes of Gascoigne, Butcher or players of Brian Laudrup’s calibre for their success alongside McCoist, the man himself named two teammates who went under the radar during their time at Rangers.

McCoist names most "underrated" teammates

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, McCoist revealed two players who didn’t get enough of the spotlight: “I’ll give you two actually who were underrated. I was very lucky, I played with some brilliant players. Big Goughy (Richard Gough), Cooper, Gascoigne, Laudrup, Gordon, Terry Butcher, Ray Wilkins, guys like that. Fantastic players, absolutely fantastic players.

“Probably two underrated ones would be Stuart McCall and Ian Ferguson. Stuart was a brilliant midfielder, as was Ian.

“Stuart was just so underrated as a football player. The first thing that struck you about Stuart was his energy and his willingness to run about and work hard and I think in many ways that masked his ability in some people’s opinions, because he was a far better football player perhaps than the way he played.

“What caught your eye when he played was his work rate and his closing down, getting the ball back, but far cleverer with the ball and a better player than a lot of people imagined.

“And Ian Ferguson was the exact same. Those two guys could’ve played in any team at any level. Fergie came from St. Mirren as a younger man and Graeme (Souness) and Walter (Smith) turned him into a very mature, level-headed midfield player who was aggressive and had one of the hardest shots out of any players I ever played with.”

“The one thing about Fergie that helped was that he was a Rangers boy growing up so he absolutely loved every minute of putting on that blue jersey. Probably two I’d value as high as any are Stuart McCall and Ian Ferguson.”

The internet was all praise for New Zealand following their historic series win in India

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Nov-2024

Losing 3-0 at home is a tough pill to swallow, and it calls for introspection.
Was it lack of preparation, was it poor shot selection, or was it lack of match practice? @ShubmanGill showed resilience in the first innings, and @RishabhPant17 was brilliant in both innings– his… pic.twitter.com/8f1WifI5Hd

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 3, 2024